In this class, we won't just be collecting names and dates. Students will learn what life was like when they were alive. We will do a deep dive into what the area they were living in was like, what was going on in that time frame that may have shaped or drastically changed their lives, and so on. Of course, be prepared for some secrets of our ancestors to come out some maybe wonderful knowledge some maybe not so much. This class will teach us about geography, history, proper research methods, and some math.
If you are afraid to do the class because you aren't living in a "normal" family situation. I am prepared for that as we have a not-so-normal family. I currently do this with four nieces and nephews who live with me. They are not blood-related, so we have learned how to be gentle in family situations. Even if you are adopted an adopted family tree can be made and if or when you find out your birth family information you can make what is called a mirror tree.
There will be in-person classes and files uploaded. I will make sure if you miss classes that you have what you need that we discussed that week along with the homework. There won't be any DNA taught as this is just a beginning class, but I will provide you information if you are wanting to do DNA.
Below I am including the lesson plan of what we will learn each week! During these weeks students will have activities such as family history mystery, mission impossible and scavenger hunts.
Week 1 The basics: In this week students will discuss the preparation needed to start. I will provide all the paperwork that is needed and how it will be used. I will also explain the supply list and how I use it to organize my genealogy. Also, genealogy standards.
Week 2 Proper Research: In this week we will discuss citations, primary and secondary sources, and a few others. these are important to learn as proper research is imperative to this.
Week 3 The Beginning: Where do you start? How much do you already know? What kinds of questions should you ask to find out more? Where you can find information that you or other family members may already have.
Week 4 Where to look: We will learn where to locate the records. What websites have the general information, what web websites specific information for areas that you will be using. Where to look in person outside the web! When I started 30 some years ago I didn't have online access I had to contact to request records, many hours in various libraries , and microfiche.
Week 5 Starting research: It's overwhelming to know where to begin!! Especially since the internet has so much information available. Learning how to narrow down what you are looking for, how to determine if what you are looking at is accurate,
Week 6 The deep dive: Now that we have learned dates and locations it's time to learn about the history. Where are they in a war? what battles did they fight in what was their job? Where did they live and what was it like and going on around that time? What are some important events that were happening during that time? Was it during a pandemic? Was it during the depression or the dust bowl? What about the gold rush or western settlement?
Week 7 Big Project: In this week participants will pick an ancestor and talk about what we have learned about their lives. will be walking in our ancestor's shoes to see how they could have felt, what they did, and so on.
Week 8 The discussion: What have you learned? What was the most interesting thing you learned?
100 per person in person and 50 virtual per person virtual. Supplies will be provided for in person classes.
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